Collaborate and Graduate is a non-profit that provides low income minority applicants to U.S. Service Academies with financial assistance for SAT and ACT test tutoring and fees in order to build a more diverse military officer corp.

As the Creative Design Director for CAG, I worked with the founders Timothy Berry and Tommy Daniel to bring to life their organization and make it credible to prospective investors and applicants to the program. Armed with passion, experience, and 250 folders (that include business cards, a three page prospectus, and informational handout), I have confidence that this non-profit will help ensure that many low income minorities obtain quality higher education and as a result, diversify the United States officer corps. Changing the world starts by changing lives.

Foreverfamily aims to maintain the connection between children and their incarcerated parents

Foreverfamily aims to maintain the connection between children and their incarcerated parents.
They focus on providing services that positively impact the entire family. We create a community of support and love for those directly affected by parental incarceration.

Proceeds from the ForeverFamily5K4Kids allow us to connect children to their parents through the Family Visitation Program, providing monthly transportation from Atlanta to prisons across Georgia.

When the monster project shifted to become something my friend’s company adopted, I began illustrating T-shirts for another friend’s non-profit which combined my love of volunteering with yearly illustration practice!

Growing up on the coast I’ve always been inspired by and calmed by the ocean. We’d go on family trips to go sea-combing, spending hours enjoying the beach and hunting for the most unique, or the most in-tact seashell. In college I used these seashells for a project in which our theme was “multiples”.

My father and I work together to frame each piece, ranging from 9x9in to 4x6’.

The shells are always a remarkable centerpiece in coastal homes. In the summer of 2018 I was accepted and allowed to showcase my work at the Rockport Art Festival - a prestigious, juried outdoor market on the Texas coast where 120+ artists sell their work to over 10,000+ art buyers.

It’s easy to find talented people to build a team, but what retains people is how you feel when you come to work every day and the relationships you have with those you spend most of your week with.

While some employees are inclined to come in, do work, then leave, I’ve found that most people are more happy when they make personal connections with their coworkers. No matter which team I’m on or which company I’m a part of, I find different ways to show my team that they’re appreciated and build long-lasting bonds. Every team is different, so here are a few culture building experiences I’m proud to have spear-headed.

• Birthday Desks: These desks made for a wonderful surprise, helped us get to know one another, and served as a creative outlet.

• Baby Showers/Diaper Drives: A lot of anxiety comes with leaving a team for long periods of time. This helps teammates know they will be missed.

• Themed Potlucks: From “Scurvy awareness day” to “Tell a lie day”, these absurd potlucks and cook-offs have helped my business unit bond.

When I’m not doing any of the above, I enjoy raising money for non-profits, volunteering, designing things for friends, and helping my dad flip houses.

The best time of the year is when I host my annual holiday party and get friends involved in making duffel bags for Together We Rise, a non-profit which aims to replace the two trash bags children receive when placed in the foster system. Children in foster care are already going through so much and trash is the last thing they should have to identify with.